Lucy forced a smile. “Of course, I had forgotten, but it will be nice to be together for this while.”
“This way Blake can easily do for both of us.” Blake was Harriet’s maid. Lucy was used to doing without a maid, but she nodded and took another bite of eggs, her mind racing. Sharing bedrooms would make it impossible for her to be with Aubrey again. She had thought that she would have until the wedding to be with him, but that hope had disappeared with Harriet’s words. There would be no more nights making love in her bed.
“Where are the men off to this morning?” Lucy asked casually, maybe too casually as Harriet gave her a sharp look.
“They went out for a ride,” Charlotte answered first. “I think they wanted some time to themselves before all the guests get here.”
Planning for the house party diverted Harriet again. She was fretting about the meals and planned activities. Lady Aversley had allowed Harriet to do the bulk of the arrangements for the party, conceding that as the future Lady Aversley it would soon be her duty and she must learn to act as hostess. But the dowager kept a sharp eye on the preparations and Harriet fretted about her future mother-in-law’s oversight.
Lucy slumped as she ate her breakfast. With the house party guests about and Harriet in her bed, there was no way to meet with Aubrey again. Her affair was over before it had barely started. She regretted not taking advantage of her time in London better, but perhaps it was for the best. Her poor heart was not going to recover easily from this affair and she did not have the leisure to collapse into her bed now as she had done the first time.
“Are you done with your breakfast?” Harriet inquired. “I don’t mean to hurry you, but the morning will fly by and people will start to arrive after lunch.” Charlotte rolled her eyes at Lucy behind Harriet’s shoulder, but both women arose from the table and followed Harriet down to the sitting room that she had made her own for organizing the party.
Every day Harriet was becoming more comfortable with her upcoming position as Baroness of the estate. She was the daughter of an Earl after all, even if her father had been a dissolute roué. He had ignored his daughter as she grew up, leaving her with her governess who ensured that Harriet knew how to run a household and be fit for the role she would one day assume. So even though she had everything planned down to the last detail, Harriet would leave nothing to chance. It was up to Lucy and Charlotte to ensure that all of her wishes were carried out as she had planned.
Aubrey had spent most of his ride with George looking for a folly or gazebo where he could meet with Lucy. George had mentioned that Blakesley was arriving with the other guests today and Aubrey would henceforth be sharing his room with him. This was not unusual at a house party, especially for just a few nights, but Blakesley was a gossip and his discretion could not be trusted if Aubrey was not in his bed at any point during the night. While he did not have to sleep with Lucy, although he was half-aroused at the thought, he did need to be able to spend time with her. He was n0t sure when she intended to return to Yorkshire. If he could persuade her to remain in London after the wedding, he would be more relaxed about the next few days. Even better if he could persuade her to wed, he would procure a special license immediately.
However, if she planned to leave after the wedding, it was critical that he be able to spend more time with her now. Aubrey would follow her to Yorkshire, of course, but he could not depend on being able to see her frequently there unless he made sure of her during the next few days. Aubrey thought that he had made good gains last night and his body tensed at the thought of some of those efforts. Making love to Lucy had been all that he remembered and more.
They returned to the house and Aubrey still had not found a place to tryst. Maybe Lucy had an idea if he could even get her alone long enough to ask. The house party and the wedding plans were interfering with his personal plans to seduce Lucy into marriage. George and Aubrey walked into the front hallway where Harriet was directing servants to take luggage away and greeting early guests. The house party would be a small group meant to distract and entertain the bridal couple for the few days before the wedding. The larger group of guests would arrive in two days for the wedding ball, and the wedding ceremony and breakfast the following morning. Many would stay in various inns and estates in the surrounding area. Thornton, for example, would arrive with a party who were staying with him at his nearby house.
George went to his fiancée and Aubrey walked into the drawing room where he found Lucy and Charlotte sitting at a table with papers spread out in front of them. The women looked up and Charlotte greeted him amicably. Lucy merely looked her brown eyes wide and cheeks pink as she bit her lip. She looked so unsure. Aubrey wished that he could go to her and show her exactly how free from any doubt she should be. Instead he joined them at the table, pulling his chair just a little closer to Lucy. Under the table he nudged her leg with his own and she smiled shyly while he pretended to pay heed to Charlotte explaining about some elaborate entertainment she had planned for the evening.
Lucy slipped her hands into her lap as Charlotte pointed at her papers and made notes. Aubrey discreetly hooked his little finger with hers and Lucy’s smile grew bigger which made him grin in turn.
Charlotte broke off her talking and looked with suspicion at him, so he straightened in his chair and tried to behave.
“Please go on, Lady Charlotte. It sounds fascinating.” Aubrey nodded his head and Lucy suppressed a giggle.
Charlotte narrowed her eyes, not at all reassured. She finally continued explaining the various games she was planning. Aubrey nodded at appropriate moments, but continued to steal glances at Lucy. He frequently caught her looking back and he felt his heart expand. He wanted to declare himself right there, go down on one knee and make her his own. Lawd, he sounded like an imbecile, but he had longed for Lucy for so long. He had to wait just a little while longer.
There was a clatter in the hallway and they all looked towards the doorway. The women both stood and started for the entrance, but Aubrey decided to stay where he was. Maybe Lucy would return and he could talk to her without anyone else around.
Instead he heard the rumble of a male voice and Blakesley walked in the door.
“Lady Harriet said that you might be in here.” As he came closer he lowered his voice. “Dying of ennui yet?”
“Not at all. The company so far has been amusing and the country tranquil.” Aubrey took Blakesley’s hand and they shook. “How are you doing, Harry?”
“Truth to tell I am bored, Lovell. I am ready to retire to my own estate just to get away from town for a while. I am glad the season is winding down. I am tired of avoiding the young ladies and their mothers, tired of the routs and balls. I am even tired of the hells and clubs.” Blakesley sat elegantly and adjusted the cuffs on his jacket. “I am in a proper snit,” he huffed.
One eyebrow went up but Aubrey didn’t respond. Harry Wilton, Lord Blakesley, was a man-about-town and he doubted that Blakesley would stay in this mood for long. A few days at home with his meddling mother and rambunctious siblings would send him hurrying back to town quickly.
Blakesley sat back and studied Aubrey. This was not good. A bored Blakesley caused trouble.
“Got slapped again lately?” he drawled.
“Why no, I have not.” Aubrey’s eyes flashed a warning which Blakesley ignored.
“I saw the lovely Lady Lucilla fluttering behind Lady Harriet in the hallway. So, you have mended your differences, have you?”
Aubrey snorted; Lucy had never fluttered a day in her life. “We have resolved our differences,” was all he would say.
“She is quite pretty in a rural sort of way, her hair all blowsy like a milkmaid.” Blakesley tapped a finger against his lips, waiting for Aubrey to respond. But Aubrey kept his face still, not betraying by a movement that his temper was on the rise. One never wanted to give Blakesley an opening. Yes, he was a friend, but he did like to rattle the cages.
Blakesley nodded. “Well perh
aps I will find some amusement here after all.”
Chapter Eighteen
Lucy waited in the drawing room with the rest of the house party for dinner to be announced. Aubrey had entered after her, but was waylaid by Lady Charlotte and two other young ladies that she did not recognize. He had sent her a beseeching look, but he was too much the gentleman to abandon the young ladies. Or at least that was what Lucy hoped.
She had wanted to spend some time with him during the day, but there was not a chance to even talk except for brief pleasantries as they passed each other. All of the invited guests had finally arrived and Harriet’s things had been moved into her room. Harriet was all nervous chatter as they prepared for the evening, her maid helping both the women with their hair and dresses.
Harriet was moving around the room, ensuring that her guests had what they needed. She was quite composed, much different from earlier, the perfect hostess and even George’s mother looked proud of her graciousness and tact. She would make George an excellent wife. If he decided to run for a Parliamentary seat, Harriet would assist him every step of the way.
The butler announced that dinner was ready. Lucy rose but dawdled, hoping that Aubrey would make his way over to where she was standing. If he escorted her into the dining room, then he would sit next to her and they could converse during dinner. Lucy was famished for his company. There were only a few more days until she left for home and she wanted every minute with him that she could get.
Her face fell as she saw one of the young ladies take a determined hold of his arm. He did not even glance at her as he led the young lady into the dining room.
“My lady, may I escort you into dinner?”
Lucy looked up startled. Lord Blakesley stood at her side, his arm out to lead her after the others. She took his arm and walked with him, allowing him to seat her and spread her napkin when he sat down next to her. Lady Charlotte was on her other side and Aubrey sat further down the table on the opposite side, a pretty young lady on either side of him. Lucy looked away as a pang went through her. Apparently, he was done with her and was moving on to greener pastures, perhaps inspecting the field for an eligible wife.
Blakesley gave her a charming smile. Lucy smiled back and looked down, adjusting her napkin. Generally, when men decided to seduce her, they gave her a similar look. But Blakesley was Aubrey’s friend, so that seemed unlikely, unless Aubrey had moved on and thought to pass her off to his friend. She sneaked another look down at Aubrey, but he was conversing with the woman on his left.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Lady Lucilla?” Blakesley’s smooth baritone demanded her attention.
“Of course, my lord. I cannot wait for the wedding day festivities.” How true that was, so this could all be over, Lucy thought. “Lady Harriet will be the perfect wife for Baron Aversley and I believe that they will be happy together.”
“I suppose. It was fated that old Aversley would be the first of our group to get leg-shackled.” Blakesley snorted as if the very idea appalled him and Lucy eyed him askance. He unfolded his napkin, making a business of it and looked about the table.
“I suppose that Lovell will be the next to find a wife. Ever since he returned from the Continent, his mother has been busy looking for the next Viscountess.”
Lucy tensed, but managed to give a small laugh. “It appears that he is also looking judging by the young ladies he escorted into dinner. Do you know who either of them is?”
“The young lady in the pink is Miss Reston. And Lady Ophelia Churchdale has the dark hair.”
Aubrey had always liked brunette-haired women. Lady Ophelia was the woman he had escorted into the dining room.
“And yes, Lady Ophelia is very eligible, niece to the Earl of Shrewsbury.” Blakesley seemed to be enjoying himself, happy to indulge in gossip. “Miss Reston is not quite as up to snuff, but her dowry is sizable, trade you know. Lady Lovell would welcome either of the young ladies into her family I am sure if she did not already have someone else picked out.”
Lucy still hadn't said anything, happy to let Blakesley ramble on. She just looked up at him, quirked an eyebrow, and waited for him to speak.
“Lady Clarissa, the Duke of Clairmont’s daughter, is the chosen one. She will do well enough for Lovell and keep him on the straight and narrow. It will be a bloody dull life for him though.” Blakesley seemed to recollect that he was at a dinner party and not his club and he sat up, his cheeks reddening.
“Your pardon, Lady Lucilla. I did not mean to speak so freely.” Blakesley looked around, but he had spoken quietly enough that no one else seemed to hear him. Lucy gave him a nod, but she was distracted, thinking about what he said. He turned to talk to the elderly lady on his other side and left Lucy alone for the moment. Charlotte was still occupied with her own dinner partner so Lucy took the opportunity to ponder his words.
It should not hurt so much, confirmation of the news that Aubrey was seeking a wife. After all, she had expected it. Indeed she had thought that he might have married while he was away. It was a shock that he had not brought home a wife, a dark-haired contessa from Italy. And he needed heirs. Her stomach clenched and she looked at her plate uneasily, not hungry in the least.
Somehow Lucy made it through the meal. Blakesley moved onto other topics and Charlotte was amusing when she turned to her. Lucy would not look up the table to where Aubrey sat. She pretended that she had no interest in his behavior. Their affair had been regrettably short, but that was satisfactory as she was returning to Yorkshire soon anyway. He could marry and for that matter find himself another mistress, one who suited him better than she apparently did.
The ladies rose and retired to the sitting room, leaving the gentlemen to their port. Harriet came over to check on her, but then bustled off to ensure that the room had been set up properly. She was planning musical entertainments from the young ladies. Lucy thought of trying to excuse herself from the evening, claiming an upset stomach, but she did not have the heart to leave Harriet, even though she was managing perfectly fine. She took a chair in a corner and watched as the other ladies chatted with each other.
When the gentlemen came in, she watched for Aubrey out of the corner of her eye. He appeared to be looking for someone, but Miss Reston approached him and practically dragged him over to a settee at the front of the room. Lucy gave a sniff. Apparently Miss Reston was part of the evening’s entertainment and wanted her new beau to have a front row seat. The only consolation to Lucy was that Lady Ophelia had a sour look on her face, her plans spoiled by the upstart Reston girl who had neatly cut her prey out of the herd and carried him away with her.
“All by yourself, Lady Lucilla. We cannot have that, can we?” Lord Blakesley was back.
“Oh yes we can,” thought Lucy, but she put up no demur when he seated himself on a chair next to her just as Harriet stood up at the front of the room, her future mother-in-law at her side, to announce the first pianist. It appeared that they had dragooned Lady Charlotte into displaying her talents. Luckily she played well.
Lucy listened to Charlotte and the young ladies that followed, occasionally nodding her head when Blakesley whispered something to her even though she was not really paying him any heed.
When Miss Reston had her turn at the piano, the woman coyly urged Aubrey to assist her by turning the music pages. Lucy was happy to see that Aubrey acted reluctant and obviously followed the woman to the front of the room because of his good manners. The woman played mechanically with no feeling for the music and the applause was tepid. Then it was Lucy’s turn.
She stepped to the piano where Aubrey waited with a smile on his face.
“Let me assist you with your music, Lady Lucilla.”
“No need, thank you.” She sat and arranged her skirts while Aubrey bowed and went back to his seat. Then she bowed her head over the keys and began to play. She was playing Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8, a piece that she loved and knew by heart.
When Lucy played she was only aware of t
he music. A natural talent for the piano had been enhanced by constant practice in the last several years. The piano was where her cares fell away and Lucy played both naturally and beautifully.
When she finished she placed her hands in her lap and slowly came back to herself. The people in the room stayed quiet and then broke into uproarious applause. Blakesley stood, calling “Bravo” and his cry was taken up by others.
Lucy looked up straight at Aubrey. He looked stunned and was clapping languidly as if he could not force his hands to move. She nodded deliberately at him and rose, going back to her seat, ignoring the pleas for an encore.
Lady Ophelia then stepped forward, the last to perform.
“Lord Lovell, may I ask for your assistance with the pages.”
Aubrey rose and Miss Reston sat with her lips pursed, now the unhappy one. Lady Ophelia arranged her music and began to play, Aubrey occasionally leaning over to turn the page. She was a competent musician but after Lucy’s performance sounded bland and amateurish. Aubrey’s eyes kept wandering toward Lucy, but she did not see him. She was focused on the back of the chair in front of her. Blakesley however did see where Aubrey's attention was and made a point of periodically dipping his head towards Lucy to murmur in her ear. Aubrey was so incensed with his erstwhile friend that he almost missed a page turn and Lady Ophelia looked up at him reproachfully.
Once Lady Ophelia had taken her bows, Lucy rose and made her way to the door, determined to retire for the night. She moved so quickly that Blakesley did not even realize she was gone until he turned. By then she was moving through the doorway on her way out of the room. He followed and was behind her when she started up the stairs.
“Lady Lucilla, where are you going?”
She stiffened and then turned. “Lord Blakesley, I am tired and ready to retire to my room.” She turned back to ascend the stairway, but he stepped up and took her arm.
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